Vacheron Constantin - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1967
    Reference No: 4072
    Movement No: 470'171
    Case No: 420'517
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 492, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives indicating date of production in 1967

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 4072 is one of Vacheron Constantin’s most iconic and sought after vintage chronograph models. In production from 1938 until the late 1960s, the present watch is an especially rare example considering its near flawless condition. Scholarship finds that only 214 yellow gold timepieces with the Vacheron chronograph caliber 492 were manufactured. Vacheron Constantin produced the watch with both the rare oval-shaped chronograph pushers, or as found on the present watch, with more modern, rectangular-shaped pushers. Furthermore, the 34mm case featured either the rare flat bezel or a bevelled one.
    This particular reference 4072 is distinguished by its immaculate case preserved as it left the factory, and is further highlighted by the superb sunburst silver dial with black telemeter scale and elegant applied hour markers. The case appears larger due to the elongated and powerful lugs, as well as the wide dial opening. Scholars and connoisseurs consider Vacheron Constantin chronographs to be amongst the most beautiful ever made, offering exceptional quality, aesthetics and value. The present lot is amongst the finest and best preserved examples of the reference to appear on the market in recent memory, making it a trophy watch for the connoisseur.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.

    Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.

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Ref. 4072
A rare, attractive and very well preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with telemeter scale

1967
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,400-27,500
$20,600-30,900

Sold for CHF31,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016